Simon Lycett
Decorating with Flowers/BBC MAESTRO
Photographer credit: Gareth Iwan Jones
Since 1993 when Simon was asked to arrange the flowers for the smash-hit film 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' his work has been much in demand for every type of event from stunning yet modest parties to decadent dinners and magical weddings the world over, as well as TV, commercials, radio, films and premieres. This iconic film celebrated it's 25 year anniversary in March 2019 with 'One Red Nose Day and A Wedding' when Simon reunited with the original cast and supplied in excess of 5,000 floral stems.
The names of Simon's clients are synonymous with high profile and glamour such as Sir Elton John, Sir Ringo Starr and Thandie Newton. Simon has created the wedding reception decorations for Their Majesties The King and Queen at Windsor Castle, for David and Victoria Beckham, Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth and Cheryl Cole. Simon decorated Windsor Castle for the wedding of HRH Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, and Longleat House for the wedding of British Vogue Editor Edward Enninful OBE to Alec Maxwell.
To celebrate the 80th birthday of The Late Queen Elizabeth 11, Simon decorated the Royal Box at the Royal Opera House for a Gala Performance and the private dinner held at The Ritz. Simon and his team also provided the flowers for the party The Queen gave at the Mandarin Oriental the evening before the wedding of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales where more than 50 crowned heads of state were present. Simon created a magical setting for the Winter White's Gala, the first party hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales at Kensington Palace and decorated the TUSK Conservation Awards at The Royal Society for the charity of which the Prince of Wales is patron. Simon created decorations for the private party held at Windsor Castle to celebrate The Late Queen Elizabeth and The Late Duke of Edinburgh's 70th Wedding Anniversary.
Simon J Lycett Ltd has been involved in many high-profile events over the years including the International Rome Film Festival and the BAFTA Film Awards, providing around 160 - 180 table decorations, each 6' - 7' tall and based on the nominated films. Any day of the week the workroom will be filled with endless trolleys carefully packed with decorations ready to be driven to one of the unique venues of London, or one of the Historic Royal Palaces, where they are proudly accredited as one of only two Cross Palace Suppliers.
Simon joined one of the UK's most adored and venerated TV Cooks, in the BBC1 series 'Classic Mary Berry'. Viewers and Mary alike watched in awe as Simon and his Team created a sumptuous feast of flowers within the Henry VI Banqueting Hall, Leeds Castle. Simon co-presented a documentary on BBC2 with Cherry Healey. Simon travelled the world filming for the one-hour documentary 'The World's Biggest Flower Market' which revealed the secret world of the largest flower market on earth in Holland. Simon is a regular Guest Expert on ITVs Love Your Weekend and This Morning
Show Notes
I was so glad to hear about Simon’s experience as an apprentice. I feel like this could be a way to grow a skilled group of designers for the future.
Florists are artists. It’s important to remember this truth. Many time people diminish the roles that florists play. There is true value in the artistry that florists bring to our craft.
I love how Simon said that florists are really good kind people that help one another.
The key to tackling scale is never underwhelm, always overwhelm. It’s better to do one massive piece to drop jaws and create the most impact.
Avoid Pinterest and Instagram, especially when designing a wedding and event, you don't want to copy others work.
Don’t underestimate the importance of good mechanics. Shortcuts can have consequences.
Processing is key to creating quality designs and events.
And finally, do you and be true to yourself. We don’t need to copy what others do, being inspired by others is fine, but be true to yourself.
